Canada is an incredibly multicultural country. While the official languages of our nation may be English and French, it’s unreasonable to assume that everyone is fluent or confident in speaking either of these two languages. In Canada’s recent census, over 200 languages were reported to be used within the country. There is unbelievable diversity here, providing us with the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds.
Therefore, it’s important that assumptions are not made when it comes to running and operating a company. To ensure your services and place of business remain accessible to all, taking steps to enable clear communication between your patrons and your workers is key. Not only does this guarantee a high level of customer service and satisfaction, but it also allows your workers to perform their jobs to the best of their ability.
Turning to a certified translator is an excellent way to ensure all documents, materials, and legal paperwork are correctly altered and understood. But how can you determine whether the translator you are reaching out to is certified? Let’s take a look at how this can be established.
Make A Request
Oftentimes, the simplest way to establish whether the translator you are working with is certified is to simply ask for proof. Reputable companies that specialize in translation services strive to be open and transparent about who they employ, so a translator can produce their Certificate of Accreditation upon request.
Look For The Membership Number
Each province in Canada holds their own standards as to how you can obtain official certification as a translator. Therefore, some people may use the term “certified translator” when referring to their qualifications, but their certification may actually be from an organization that is different from the provincial associations. Fortunately, analyzing their documents can give you the reassurance you’re looking for.
Certified translators can be recognized by their membership number, which can be found on their seal or stamp. The translator will apply their seal and number to the declaration of translation, which accompanies your original document and its translation.
Contact The Company
If you are considering contracting the services of a translator through a company, you can determine their qualifications in advance by simply turning to the company website. Certified translators are in high demand, so companies will advertise the employment of such individuals on their websites. If you have any further concerns as to whether every translator they work with is certified, you can always contact the company directly to ensure any translators you are paired with in the future are certified.
Quality of Work
The process of becoming a certified translator is not one you can accomplish overnight. A diploma of translation and at least two years of work experience are required before candidates are eligible to take a national certification examination. Thorough documentation and evidence of past translation work are also required, as both this portfolio and a passing grade on the exam are needed to prove the translator’s competence. It often takes certified translators years of hard work and experience to receive their accreditation.
Therefore, the time they have spent perfecting their craft will be evident in their translation services. While their official documentation will be included with each translation, it will be the final product that truly demonstrates why they were deemed suitable for certification.
While some may attempt to seem more impressive and professional by declaring themselves to be certified, it is incredibly simple to determine whether you are employing the services of a truly certified translator. Reputable companies and individuals pride themselves on their transparency, so if your concerns regarding their legitimacy are not being addressed, it’s likely you are not dealing with a certified translator.
